Switzerland-based Lonza Biologics announced Thursday its plans to phase down its microbial biologics plant in Hopkinton, Mass., and consequently lay off approximately 200 of its 300 employees by the end of the year, according to a company statement. The biotechnology company is working to consolidate its assets into its largest plant in Visp, Switzerland. Lonza has already closed its site at Swords in Ireland and will be shutting down activity in Saint-Beauzire, France in the fourth quarter of this year.